Although the Apple Watch is an impressive bit of technology, the Cupertino-based electronics giant continues to look for innovative ways to improve its highly popular smartwatch. Based on the latest patent filing with the US Trademark and Patents Office, it can be said that Apple could be contemplating the idea of adding Touch ID to the display of the Apple Watch.
The news first appeared on Patently Apple last week claimed that the Cupertino company could be planning to introduce a touch-sensitive device, a force-sensitive device, a temperature-sensitive device and/or a fingerprint sensor underneath the display. This will be done by relocating the internal watch antennas within the wristband. While the current-generation Apple Watch can be used to unlock MacBooks, make secure payments through Apple Pay and more, native support for Touch ID will throw a whole new level of authentication to the mix.
The patent application titled “Antenna Assemblies for Watch Bands” explains how Apple plans to embed antennas within the wrist band, ensuring the perfect balance between form, functionality, and comfort. The watch band enables wireless communication via the stretchable antenna while protecting its structural integrity and operational capabilities. The watch band flexes, stretches and bends freely with the body and protects the antenna from damage caused by external impacts.
Embedding cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas within the band is a tough challenge, considering the amount of stress and torture these bands have to endure. Embedding antennas within the wristband would dramatically reduce aftermarket replacement options and increase the prices. Apple has high hopes for this technology, enough to file a patent. As with any new technology, it is never known whether Apple will ever bring these innovations. Nonetheless, it is interesting to see the direction that the company plans to take for the future.
In related news, Apple slashed the prices of the Watch Series 3 in India after the launch of the Series 5. Prices of the Series 3 GPS now start at Rs. 20,990 (~$294) while the GPS + Cellular variant is available at Rs. 29,990 (~$418). The Apple Watch Series 5 is priced from Rs. 40,900 (~$572) for the GPS-only variant while the GPS + cellular variant is priced at Rs. 49,900 (~$698). The Watch Series 5 flaunts a Low-Temperature Polysilicon and Oxide (LTPO) Retina display with a variable refresh rate, eliminating the need for refreshing the display, thus conserving power.
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